Oct. 16-18, 2015Green Lake Conference Center, Green Lake, WI

Become A SponsorPlease consider making a donation to help offset programming costs.

We use donations to help us keep participation fees low so the weekend will be accessible for all. All contributions are tax deductible. Please contact Julie Ryno

for more information at 920-373-0192 or umojabhe@att.net

Contact UsUmoja - A Black Heritage Experience

C/O Julie Ryno4326 N. Bull Rush Dr.Appleton, WI 54913Phone: 920-373-0192

E-Mail: umojabhe@att.netWeb site: www.umojabhe.org

Dear Friends, When my husband and I were preparing to adopt, we had a wonderful social worker that helped us understand that adopting a child from a different culture wasn’t about what we would accept. It was about what we could offer. We learned that loving our child meant more than providing a happy home, it meant that we had to help them develop a sense of pride in their birth culture. So began our journey to Umoja. Eleven years ago, I, along with Dr. Bola Delano-Oriaran began to explore what we could offer as a heritage camp for families that looked like mine. My husband and I have two beautiful African American children. We are white. We knew that Umoja (Swahili for Unity) has to help the entire family, not just the children. So Dr. Delano and I planned programming for the entire family. Parents and children have age appropriate sessions that cover everything from how to deal with racism to celebrating the music of Africa. From the start our goal has been to give our families tools that they can incorporate into their daily lives. One of the biggest blessings has been the friendships that have blossomed between children and families of Umoja. We have many families that have returned annually. I delight in the children’s anticipation as they wait for their Umoja friends from year’s past to arrive. It’s been fun to see our youth go from young children to wonderful teens.

Check out our facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/pages/UmojaBHE. If you have any questions, after browsing the web site, please feel free to contact me directly. I hope you and your fam-ily with join us for this special weekend.

Sincerely,Julie RynoUmoja Co-Founder

“Thanks to Julie, Dr. Delano-Oriaran, our inspiring presenters and all of you for another joyous and powerful Umoja.” Umoja 2014 parent

CAMP INFORMATION

Dates: October 16-18, 2015Place: Green Lake Conference Center, Green Lake,WI

Time: Registration, Oct. 16th, 4-6:00 PM. Late arrivals will be accommodated.

Costs: Conference Fee Before August 1st$85 per age 12 and up $60 per child ages 4-11

Free for children 3 and younger

Conference Fee after August 1st$105 age 12 and up

$75 per child ages 4-11

Conference Fee covers programming, meals and a souvenir t-shirt. Hotel costs vary by room type. See registration form for details

Umoja registrations opens at 4 PM on October 16th.

Families can arrive at Green lake any time that day. Green Lake offers a beautiful setting for hiking and relaxation. On Friday participants can enjoy a meal from

5-6 PM in the Kraft Lodge. At 7 PM there will be a cultural experience for the entire family. Families arriving later in the evening will be directed to the location we are gathered by signs in the hotel lobby. The registration form and last year’s program

booklet can be downloaded from the web site at www.umojabhe.org.